KidronFolk to benefit CAMO

Published: August 29, 2004 12:00AM

KIDRON Singer/songwriter Pierce Pettis will headline the KidronFolk Music Festival when it returns for its fourth year Sept. 18. The outdoor event will be held in the country setting of the Dan and Phebe Wesman farm.
As in past years, KidronFolk 2004 will be a benefit event, with all proceeds being donated to Central American Medical Outreach, an Orrville-based charitable organization.
Major music publications have described Pettis as being "one of the more vital folk stars of recent years" and "one of this generation's most masterful songwriters."
Joining the Alabama resident on the bill is California's Darryl Purpose. Said to possess "the voice of James Taylor, the brains of Bob Dylan, and the soul of Willie Nelson," Purpose delivers original narrative numbers backed by his intricate finger-style guitar technique. J.D. Stillwater, a percussionist from Dover, will join Darryl on stage at Kidron.
Another prominent act slated to appear is the musical storytelling duo Prairie Orchid, featuring the collaborative talents of central Ohio artists Sarah Goslee Reed and Lisa Hill. Structured for families and children, a Prairie Orchid performance offers "a unique combination of folk songs flavored with a touch of bluegrass," delivered with delightful harmonies and a wide variety of instruments.
Anchored by the upright bass skills of Dalton native Derek Kratzer, the four-piece ensemble Goldmine Pickers will bring additional variety and enthusiasm to the KidronFolk lineup. Featuring "innovative acoustic newgrass and swinging originals with a taste of Irish and jazz," these versatile musicians, based in Goshen, Ind., are a fiery blend of guitar, bass, mandolin and fiddle.
Kidron residents David "Mandolin" Miller and Tim Shue round out the impressive KidronFolk roster. Exceptional musicians in their own right, Miller and Shue have been entertaining area audiences for many years.
KidronFolk '04 will also feature a series of workshops, in which festival attendees and aspiring musicians can interact with, and receive instruction from, established national artists. A food vendor will be onsite throughout the day for the purchase of various food items and drinks, and will be joined by the Ruggles Ice Cream truck.
For ticket information check the festival Web site, www.kidronfolk.com, or call (330) 857-4820.